Set within the long running Need for Speed series, Payback sits in the more cinematic, story led corner of the range, closer in spirit to action racing games like The Crew than to purist sims. Fortune Valley is built around big set pieces, police pressure and a revenge plot, so it’s as much about spectacle as it is about shaving tenths off lap times. The Deluxe Edition is the version for players who want the fuller package from the start, rather than treating the extras as optional later add ons.

Who is this for?

Go for it if you like arcade handling, flashy customisation and a campaign that strings races, chases and missions together. If you mainly want clean circuit racing and realistic physics, other racers will land better.

• Single player focus: a structured story gives you a reason to keep switching cars and disciplines.
• Deluxe extras: useful if you plan to stick with the game and want more content up front.